Arts Etc. — 10/4/2014

Visual Arts

Highlights

“Withered Lotus Cast in Iron” is the title of the first solo exhibit of the distinguished Chinese artist Pan Gongkai, son of the renowned twentieth-century master Pan Tianshou. A contemporary master of ink painting, Gongkai prepares large-scale compositions without interruption, in sessions that often last more than twelve hours. He considers this physically demanding process as a key performative element of his work. For the Frye Art Museum show, Pan has created a large-scale, site-specific ink painting which will extend the entire length of the museum’s largest gallery. Opens Thurs., Oct. 2nd from 7 – 9pm. Reserve your tickets online by Sept. 28th or call (206) 432-8288. Frye Art Museum  is at 704 Terry Ave. or go to to  www.fryemuseum.org.

Davidson Galleries has in Oct., the eerie, detailed etchings of Tomiyuki Sakuta. 313 Occidental Ave. S. in Seattle.  (2060 624-6700 or go to www.davidsongalleries.com.

Art is where you find it and sometimes you have to go beyond the commercial galleries and look in the nooks and crannies of alternative spaces and public art locations. ”Art Interruptions 2014” is one such series. Ten emerging artists have created temporary art installations throughout the First Hill area for this project. The artworks will inhabit city sidewalks, parks and offer a brief interruption of your routine and who doesn’t need that? Each artist will  develop their work for around ten weeks starting in August. Administered in partnership with Seattle Department of Transportation, Seattle Parks and Recreation. Funded by SDOT, 1% for Art funds and managed by the Office of Arts & Culture. Some highlights include the following. Megumi Shauna Arai presents “A Tribute” which looks at certain events in the artist’s life. Her photographic series entitled “Hand History” is taken into an installation realm with large silk fabric prints and coinciding studio recordings that channel the small moments and conversations that make up a day. Jason Hirata’s performance piece entitled “I Hope To Do No Harm, Yet I Cause Harm” will find the artist on designated routes on Tues., Th. And Fridays doing his best to interact with crows all along the way  over  a period of a few months. Check Hirata’s website for details. “Kintsugi” is the ancient Japanese technique of repairing broken pottery with seams of lacquer, gold, or silver. It speaks to breakage and repair becoming part of the history and character of the object and thus adding to its beauty. The art team of Joana Stillwell & Yael Nov apply this philosophy to the streets as they try and “repair” the cracks and breaks in the sidewalks of First Hill with hand-made fool’s gold. Please refer to the map for various locations around First Hill. Go to http://www.seattle.gov/arts/publicart/temporary_projects.asp?project=art=interruptions-2014  for complete details.

Multi-media artist Paul Komada uses weaving, drawing, painting and the tactile feel of materials to integrate installations that cross over a variety of media. Saya Moriyasu is a multi-media artist that incorporates ceramic material into her whimsical installations. Maki Tamura is inventive, mischievous, detailed and precise in her work that incorporates various media and materials. All will create site-specific pieces as part of a public art series entitled “MadCampus” which will be found all over the University of Washington campus in Seattle. Inspired by their locations, from hidden nooks to well-frequented vistas, the selected artists will create new sculptures designed to be interactive. On view until Oct. 25th  of this year. (206) 499-5823 or email [email protected] for details.

It is a risk and struggle to create while reaching back to my whole lifetime – what it means to grow up in the city where one lives with all the dead bodies that lay below one’s feet” – so writes  Hiroshima-born Japanese visual artist Yukiko Kawano, a third generation hibakusha (atomic bomb survivor) about her work in the show “Formation” which  remains on display through Oct. 14th, 2014. At the Ethnic Heritage Art Gallery at 700 Fifth Ave. at 5th & Columbia on the Third Floor Lobby. For details, go to http://www.seattle.gov/ethnicartgallery/. For information on the artist, go to http://yukiyokawano.com. In addition, Kawano is in another show entitled “One Thousand Questions – Hiroshima to Hanford” with Seattle artist Etsuko Ichikawa at Columbia City Gallery through Sept. 21st.  A new show, the “9th Annual Juried Exhibit”  entitled “Selfie, Here & Now” opens Sept. 24th  at Columbia City Gallery and remains on view through Nov. 16th, 2014. 4864 Rainier Ave. S. (206) 760-9843 or go to www.columbiacitygallery.com.

“Act of Drawing” by Etsuko Ichikawa marks this artist’s debut with a new Seattle gallery.  It presents the latest work from her series, “Glass Pyrograph and Aquagraph”, a series of drawings of fire and water charcoal stained on paper. Using molten glass above the surface of the paper, she creates marks of expressive gesture captured spontaneously in the act for her glass pyrographs. Her aquagraphs use water as a medium and the way it drops on the page, captured with scorched candle soot to reveal an x-ray of the very act of its’ imprint. On view until Oct.  30th, 2014. Winston Wachter Fine Art at 203 Dexter Ave. N. in the South Lake Union area just off Aurora. Mon. – Sat. from 10am – 5pm or by appointment. (206) 652-5855 or go to www.winstonwachter.com.

KOBO Gallery at Higo in Japantown/International District has the following – The  ever popular annual  fall show, “8th Simple Cup Show Invitational” opens on Sat., Nov. 1st, 2014 and remains on view until Dec. 31st. This version features work from not only North America/Japan but for the first time introduces to the Seattle audience, the work of Korean contemporary ceramic artists as well. Go to koboseattle.com for updates. 604 S. Jackson St. (206) 381-3000.

Opening Oct. 2nd and on view Until Nov. 22nd is a group show entitled “LINEAGE UW Faculty & Students”. The work of Roger Shimomura and Patti Warashina is included. “Red Ribbon Salon” is a group show of Northwest artists including the work of Paul Horiuchi. Opens Nov. 11th and remains on view until Dec. 23rd. Seattle ArtREsource Gallery. 625 First Ave. #200. (206) 838-2695 or go to seattleartresource.com.

A pair of Japanese quilt exhibits take over the space at La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum through Oct. 5th. On view are “Wishes Through Our Hands – Japanese Quilts” and “Works of Junko Maeda”. Delightful patterns and colors from traditional to contemporary. For details, call (360) 466-4288 or go to www.laconnerquilts.com.

“Bellwether 2014: Connect” is Bellevue’s biennial sculpture exhibition featuring more than 30 sculptures and installations all within a three-quarter mile walking route from City Hall to Downtown Park. On view through Oct. 12th,  2014. Artists from the Northwest, Canada and the U.S. are included. Work by Canadian artists Junichiro Iwase, Connie Sabo, Geemon Xin Meng and Lisa Tzu-Ling are in this show. Free guided tours available for groups or eight or more by emailing [email protected], put “Tour” in the subject line. A City of Bellevue Public Art Program.

Printmaker Romson Bustillo has another show of new work entitled “Long Story Prints” opening Oct. 2nd  on First Thursday from 6 – 8pm and on view until Oct. 20th at Gallery4Culture. These patterned, densely layered works on paper represent the intermingling of the past, present and future as they trace his family’s migration to Seattle from the Philippines. Don’t miss the party as well. “Celebrate with Artists Up!” on Tues., Oct. 21st from 6 – 8pm. There will be music, Romson’s art and delicious food. This is a social mixer celebrating artists in the Latino/a and Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander artist communities.  Music by Miho & Diego. All are welcome but RSVP requested. Go to Artistsup.org  (or try https://www.facebook.com/events/826541907370560/?ref=6&ref_notif_type=plan_user_invited) to make your reservation. To find out more about Romson’s art, go to romsonromson.blogspot.com. Gallery4Culture is at 101 Prefontaine Pl S in the Tashiro Kaplan Building in Pioneer Square.

“Live On: Mr.’s Japanese Neo-Pop” – The disaster of the March 11, 2011 tsunami and nuclear accident came as both a shock and inspiration for Japanese Neo-Pop artist Mr. In response he created a massive installation composed of everyday objects from Japanese life. It forms the centerpiece for this show with a series of new paintings and other work. Organized by SAM, this retrospective is his first solo exhibition in a U.S. museum. A protégé of Takashi Murakami, the icon of Japanese Pop art and a member of the otaku subculture, Mr.’s work is marked by an obsessive interests in anime and manga. This exhibition is  organized by SAM in collaboration with Kaikai Kiki Co. Ltd., Galerie Perrotin and Lehmann Maupin Gallery. Opens Nov. 22nd, 2014 in the Tateuchi Galleries of the Seattle Asian Art Museum and remains on view until April 5th, 2015. 1400E. Prospect St. in Volunteer Park. (206) 654-3100 or go to seattleartmuseum.org.

The Friends of Asian Art Association also present a lecture on the current arts of Myanmar (formerly Burma) by Barry Broman who served for years in that region as a member for the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State. “Arts and Crafts in an Emerging Myanmar” takes place on Sun., Oct. 12th at 1pm at the Burke Museum on the “UW Seattle campus. Free parking. To pre-register for these events or for information, email [email protected].

“To Be Alone Together” is an group exhibition co-curated by Emma Jane Levitt and Shelly Leavens through the Dana and Toni Rust Curatorial Fellowship at the Museum of Northwest Art in La Connor. The curators try and capture the solitude and interaction of Northwest art by having contemporary Northwest artists respond to work by Northwest artists in the museum’s collection. Work by Paul Horiuchi and Norie Sato  are in the group that are shown. Contemporary artists Paul Komada and singer/songwriter Tomo Nakayama respond to specific artists as well. 121 S. First St. in La Connor. Oct. 4 – Jan. 4th. (360) 466-4446 or go to www.museumofnwart.org.

“Near/Far” is the title of a show by former Seattle Cornish student Lauren Iida now living in Cambodia. Her show of intricate paper cutaways Guest Curated by David Strand help her process and preserve her experiences with the people of landscape of that country. She is working on literacy campaigns and establishing libraries for children in rural areas. Her work explores notions of figure and place that transcend geographic and cultural borders. On  view from Nov. 13th – Jan. 23rd  in the Entry Gallery. Artist’s reception will be on Thurs., Dec. 11th from 5 – 8pm. Gage Academy Of Art at 1501 10th Ave. E. in Seattle. (206) 323-4243 or email [email protected].

Roger Shimomura’s “American Knockoff” has an autobiographical ring pitting the artist  against the world of Asian stereotypes and what it means to live as an Asian American in this  “land of the free and home of the brave.” It was last seen in the fall of 2013 at Greg Kucera Gallery. Now an expanded version of this show with a new catalog is at the Museum of Art at Washington State University Gallery in Pullman. On view  through  Dec. 13th.   The documentary film, “Witness: The Legacy of Heart Mountain” is screened on Oct. 15th at 7pm in the CUB Auditorium. A performance of “Within the Silence” by Living Voices Theatre takes place on Nov. 13th at 7:30pm in the Jones Theater on campus. The Hirahara Photo Collection on Japanese Internment, Manuscripts, Archives & Special Collections on  view in the Terrell Library Oct. 6 – 24th.  Installation Exhibit on Student Entertainment Board Oct. 23th – Nov. 14th. CUB Gallery Reception on Oct. 15th from 12  – 2pm. Panel Discussion  on “Cartoon Propaganda” in the Museum of Art/WSU with dates TBD. (509) 335-1910.  In related news, The College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences has a profile of 1945 alumnus Tom Kitayama whose family was originally from Bainbridge Island. He was the first Japanese American to hold public office in California as Mayor of Union City. Go to http://museum.wsu.edu/shimomura.html for complete details. This touring exhibit comes to Tacoma Art Museum and Hallie Ford Museum in Salem, Oregon in 2015.

In related news, Hallie Ford Museum in Salem, Oregon presents “Roger Shimomura: Works on Paper” which will open Nov. 8th and remain on view through Feb. 1, 2015. Organized by Director John Olbrantz to complement the travelling exhibit, “Roger Shimomura : An American Knockoff” which opens at the museum next January. The exhibition features 29 prints drawn from local and regional collections, including works from his “Minidoka Snapshots” and “Minidoka Identities” suites, both of which deal with internment camp issues. 900 State St. in Salem, Oregon and part of Willamette University. (503) 370-6855 or go to willamette.edu/arts/hfma.

“Labor: A Working History” is an exhibit following the path of workers’ rights locally and on a national scale beginning in the 1800’s with Hawaiian and Native-American laborers for the Hudson’s Bay Company.  Through Dec. 31st, 2014 at Clark County Historical Museum at 1511 Main St. in Vanouver, WA.For details, call (360) 993-5679 or visit www.cchmuseum.org.

“Uprooted: Japanese American Farm Labor Camps During World War II” is an exhibit about Japanese Americans who were incarcerated during WWII. This exhibit tells the story of the first such labor camp in Nyssa, Oregon in which interned Japanese Americans did seasonal farm labor in the sugar beet industry. Photos by Farm Security Administration photographer Russell Lee document these camps. On view until Dec. 12th, 2014 at Four Rivers Cultural Center at 676 SW Fifth Ave. in Ontario, Oregon. For details, call (541) 889-8191 or visit www.4rcc.com or www.uprootedexhibit.com.

Liz Tran’s mixed media paintings explore the shapes of nature and the psychedelic colors of her imagination. SAM gallery presents  a show of her latest work at TASTE next to Seattle art Museum downtown a show of her new work. On view until Nov. 9th. 1300 First Ave. For details, [email protected].

Colorful paintings of strange figures interacting in an open field by Irene Kubota  on view now at Bryan Ohno Gallery in Japantown . Through mid-Oct.  Opening Oct. 16th and ending Nov. 29th will be paintings by Yumiko Glover. A series of paintings centered around highly sexualized figure of the Japanese schoolgirl, set against disjointed images of past and furture world wars and pop culture iconography.  Originally from Hiroshima, the artist is now based in Hawai’i. 521 S. Main St. (206) 459-6857 or go to www.bryanohno.com.

One of Seattle’s oldest galleries, the Woodside/Braseth Gallery has moved to Pioneer Square. Their first show there is a group show of Northwest artists with the work of Gerard Tsutakawa included.  On view until Oct. 25th.  1201 Western Ave.  (206) 622-7243 or go to woodsidebrasethgallery.com.

“A Cut Above” is a group show that explores hand-cut work in paper, wood, prints and sculpture. This show presents unique contemporary works in a variety of mediums and perspectives inspired by traditional art practices. Co-curated by MalPina Chan. Includes the work of Betsy Best Spaden, Mia Yoshihara-Bradshaw, Julia Harrison, Laureen Iida, Naoko Morisawa and June Sekiguchi.  The show will be on view in the City of Sammamish City Hall Gallery  during the month of Oct.  801 – 228th Ave. SE. Hours are M – F from 8:30 – 5pm.

New and recent shows due to open at the Wing include the following – “Do You Know Bruce?” is a major new show on the personal, intimate story of martial arts artist and film star Bruce Lee and the significance of Seattle in his life. Opens Oct. 4th with the full support of the Lee Family. The Wing is the only museum in the world, outside of Hong Kong, to present an exhibition about Bruce Lee’s life. The Lee family has plans to eventually open a permanent museum on Bruce Lee’s life and legacy in the Chinatown-ID neighborhood. This show will make for a good initial introduction. Beat the crowds and become a museum member and not only do you see this show for free  but you also receive a special commemorative welcome packet with limited edition Bruce Lee Membership cards and matching window cling for your collection.“RESIST – Asian American Acts of Struggle” remains on view through Jan. 18th, 2015. Wing Luke also co-sponsors a new exhibition “Voices of Nisei Veterans” at the Nisei Veterans Committee (NVC) Hall. Oral history testimonies and rare collections tell the story of Japanese American veterans before, during and after World War II. A new exhibit entitled “Puppet Power! Asian Traditions Come to Life” opens on Sat. July 19th. See innovative creations from Asian American puppet artists, video performances and hands-on puppet play. Created in partnership with the Northwest Puppet Center and the Valentinetti Puppet Museum. Opening August 24th from 6 – 8pm is “ART IN MOTION: The Evolution of Board Culture” From surf board to skate board, learn how Asian Americans have contributed to this thriving culture. Curated by Gabriel Goldman of Platform Inc. Includes the work of Wally Inouye, Nhon Nguyen, Nin Truong, Junichi Tsuneoka and Mike Yoshida. Free Family Fun Day activities coming up. – Still on view is “#iconic: Power and Pop Culture” which explores how Asian American pop icons are made and what it means to look up to – or challenge – these figures.  “Hometown Desi: South Asian Culture in the Pacific Northwest” is a semi-permanent display that opened Oct. 3. It will explore the history of South Asians in this area up to the present. On display through Oct. 19, 2014 is “Grit: Asian Pacific Pioneers Across the Northwest”. Stories of pioneers and trailblazers who persisted through challenges of natural disasters, racial discrimination and violence to carve out a home in this new territory.  “Summer Camp @ The Wing is at 719 South King St. (206) 623-5124 or visit www.wingluke.org. Closed Mondays. Tuesday – Sunday from 10am – 5pm. First Thursday of each month is free from 10am – 8pm. Third Saturday of each month is free from 10am – 8pm.

Currently on view at Seattle Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park – “Colored Vases” is the first work by Chinese contemporary artist Ai Weiwei acquired by Seattle Art Museum. The artist took ancient earthenware vases and dipped them in buckets of industrial paint allowing them to drip dry. By covering the surfaces with a new paint, what is underneath – like history itself – is “no longer visible, but is still there.” The irony is that they play on the question on and question authenticity issues that the artist likes to raise in today’s market for Chinese Art. The first exhibition held outside Japan dedicated to Japanese Art Deco entitled “Deco Japan: Shaping Art and Culture, 1920 – 1945” is on view through Oct. 19th.  On Sat., Sept. 27th , a new University Fall Series begins entitled “New Worlds of Science: The Heritage of East Asia”. Tickets go on sale in August for a series of 10 talks on Saturday mornings co-organized by Prof. Christopher Cullen, Needham Research Institute who will give the first two lectures.   Every Sat. at 9:30am at SAAM’s Stimson Auditorium. Topics range from ancient astronomy and cosmology to Chinese medicine and the modernization of Korea and Japan.  Donald Harper from the Univ. of Chicago talks about “The Human Body and the Idea Of Health in Early China” on Oct. 11 at 9:30am.  Lu Xinyi, Prof. of Archaeology at Washington University in St. Louis talks about “Chinese Food and the World System in Pre-History” on Oct. 18th at 9:30am. Another separate literary reading takes place on Fri., Oct. 17th at 7pm. Zach Davisson will read from “Yurei: The Japanese Ghost” (Chin Music Press). On view until December 7th is “Ink. History. Media” by Chen Shaoxiong. The artist examines the history of protest as a universal political expression. He downloaded images of protest form around the world and did ink drawings from these images, turning them into a video installation. Another video installation consists of ink drawings of historic photos of major events in Chinese history during the 20th century. The artist was a founding member of “Big Tail Elephant Group”, a collective of Guangzhou-based conceptual artists in the 1990’s. Today he works independently and also collaborates as a member of an Asian artist collective known as “Xijing Men” and another Chinese collective known as “Project Without Space.” He is a multi-media artist using painting, photography, collage and conceptual art to realize his ideas.” Mughal Painting: Power And Piety” is up through Sept. 7th. The show features works of art made under the Mughals (1526-1857), the most expansive Islam empire in the history of the subcontinent. For complete information on all events, go to seattleartmuseum.org.

“Nature and Pattern in Japanese Design” is a related exhibition   to “Deco Japan” in two parts that will be shown at Seattle Art Museum downtown.   Part 2 begins August 16th, 2014 and continues till April 19th, 2015. “Modernism in the Pacific Northwest: The Mythic and the Mystical” looks at Northwest painters from the 30’s and 40’s whose work was influenced by an Asian aesthetic. Includes work by Paul Horiuchi and George Tsutakawa. Coming August 30th is “City Dwellers: Contemporary Art from India” which looks at the shift towards urban centers and the culture and arts of the city. Organized by SAM from the collection of Sanjay Parthasarathy and Malini Balakrishnan.Visit sam.org or call (206) 654-3100.

Want to know more about contemporary Korean art? You have a chance when Eunju Choi, curator from the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul gives a talk on Oct. 16th at Seattle Asian Art Museum. 1400 E. Prospect St. in Volunteer Park. (206) 654-3100 or go to seattleartmuseum.org.

“Travelogue – Art Inspired By Travels Through Asia” is a group show including work by Kathy Liao. At Lakeshore located at 11448 Rainier Ave. S. Go to eraliving.com for details.

Bellevue Arts Museum presents the traveling exhibit “Folding Paper: The Infinite Possibilities of Origami” through September 21st. Though this art form originated in Japan, this exhibit reveals how that form has evolved through the participation of modern artists from around the world. Over 140 works from international artists takes this traditional art form and pushes it into the future. A series of related events throughout the run of the exhibition are planned. Festival Folding with PAPER takes place on Saturday from 1 – 3pm on   September 13th. Opening July 3rd is “The Art of Gaman: Arts and Crafts from the Japanese American Internment Camps, 1942 – 1946”, A Smithsonian traveling exhibit curated by Delphine Hirasuna. Most of the work is by untrained artists stuck behind a barbed wire fence fending off boredom by putting creative hands and minds to use. But work by a few professional artists such as Ruth Asawa, Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani, Chiura Obata and Henry Sugimoto is included as well. The show runs from through Oct. 12th.  Of future interest is “BAM Biennial 2014: Knock On Wood”, a group show of artists working with wood set for Oct. 31 – March 29th, 2015. 510 Bellevue Way NE. Go to www.bellevuearts.org.

“Photographic Presence and Contemporary Indians: Matika Wilbur’s Project 562” is the first installment of Matika Wilbur’s ambitious project to capture contemporary Native American life by documenting people from all 562 federally recognized tribes in the US.  The photography of Seattle photographer Chao-Chen Yang is included in a group show entitled “Northwest in the West: Exploring Our Roots”. This show explores the distinct identity of Northwest art and how it has adopted, adapted and reacted against its western roots. A theme particularly apt and timely since the museum is building a new wing to house their new collection of Western art. Both shows through the fall of 2015. Local artist MalPina Chan has work in the current show “Ink This! Contemporary Print arts in the Northwest” on view until Nov. 9th, 2014. Tacoma Art Museum is at 1701 Pacific Ave. (253) 272-4258 or go to TacomaArtMuseum.org.

Kamla Kakaria shares a show with Paisley Fish at Shift Gallery. Opens Oct. 2nd from 5 – 8pm. Remains on view until Oct. 25th.  Her new work is a series of paintings that feature a paisley pattern inspired by the swirl of fish in water. 312 S. Washington St. in the Tashiro Kapland Building. Open Fri. & Sat. (206) 679-8915 or go to shiftgalleryseattle.org.

Seattle artist Saya Moriyasu keeps busy with the following activities. In Portland she has work in the PDX Contemporary window with Tony Sonnenberg. Presented by Pulliam Fine Arts. Upcoming you can see her work in SAM Party in the Park and in the fall with Maki Tamura and Paul Komada at MadArt UW.  Some of her functional work can be found at Sugar Pill behind Blick at 900 E. Broadway on Capitol Hill. She also has a new email at [email protected].

Puget Sound artist MalPina Chan has work in a group show entitled “Our American Stories: Asian American Artists Illuminate History, Culture and Identity” along with Seattle-raised Roger Shimomura, Susan Almazol, Salma Arastu, Jung Ran Bee, Karen Chew, Reiko Fujii, Kathy Fujii-Oka, Nancy Hom, MariNaomi, Pallavi Sharma and Scott Tsuchitani. On view  through September 26th, 2014. Guest-curated by Judy Shintani. At City College of San Francisco’s Louise & Claude Rosenberg Jr. Library – Ocean Campus,  2nd floor, 50 Phelan Ave. in San Francisco. (415) 452-5541.

Seattle painter Kathy Liao keeps busy with the following activities. She has work in a group show entitled “Any Day: Artists on Death” at the Steele Gallery at Gage Academy of Art through Sept. 19th. 1501 – 10th Ave. E. Go to www.gageacademy.org. She has an artists’s residency at the Jentel Artist Residency Program in Sheridan, WY. From June 15th – July 15th in 2015.

Opening August 28th is  “Mythscapes : Contemporary Art from the World’s Oldest Continuing Culture” which  includes the work of indigenous artists from Australia including work by Sarrita King. Co-curated by the gallery and Ann Snell Gallery of Sydney. Show remains on view through Nov. 22nd.  ArtXchange Gallery at 512 First Ave. S. Open Tues. – Sat.  (206) 839-0377 or go to www.artxchange.org.

Tacoma artist Fumiko Kimura has had a long-time career in Puget Sound exhibiting her work and keeping busy with her Puget Sound Sumi Art Group. This year brings a new opportunity to see her life’s work. Kimura and fellow artists Lois Yoshida and Harry Haneda are part of the Tacoma Studio Tours happening at over 30 studio locations all around Tacoma. Oct. 11th & 12th  from 11am – 5pm. Check with [email protected] for details.  Also a retrospective of her work takes place at Tacoma Community College Art Gallery Nov. 3rd – Dec. 13th. She shares the space with artist Rob Fornell. A reception is planned for Nov. 8th tentatively from 4 – 7pm (check the gallery for exact time.) 6501 S. 19th St. (253) 566-5000.

Juliet Shen will be in a group show entitled “Duwamish Artist Residency” set for March 5th – 26th, 2015 at Gallery4Culture. The show sheds light on the activities of twelve studio artists who gather every summer to work together for a week at various spots along the river. For details on their work, go to duwamishresidency2012.wordpress.com. Please note that  as of 2015, Gallery4Culture will  no longer have shows during the months of December and August. Shows continue during the other ten months.

The Whatcom Museum in Bellingham has an interesting show entitled “Reaching Beyond: New Designer Craftsmen at 60” juried by Ben Mitchell. On view until Jan. 4th, 2015. 121 Prospect St. (360) 676-6981 or go to whatcommuseum.org.

Discover the history and culture of the Tulalip tribes at the Hibulb Culture Center. Currently showing an exhibit on “Coast Salish Canoes”. 6410 – 23rd Ave. NE in Tulalip. (360) 716-2600 or email [email protected].

Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center in Portland has  “Oregon Nikkei: Reflections of an American Community” a show that celebrates the lives and contributions of Oregon’s Nikkei community, and evokes memories of shared experiences – from early settlement through the trials and tribulations of WWII and into the 21st century. Also on view is “Art Behind Barbed Wire: A Pacific Northwest Exploration of Japanese American Arts and Crafts Created inn World War II Incarceration Camps” on view through Oct. 19th, 2014. Upcoming exhibit is “Before Memories Fade: Uncovering the Story of the Kida Family of White Salmon” tentatively scheduled to Open Nov. 8 and remain on view through Feb. 22, 2015. Open Tu. – Sat. 11am – 3pm and Sundays, noon – 3pm. 121 NW 2nd Ave. (503) 224-1458 or email [email protected].

The Portland Japanese Garden has announced their exhibitions set for 2014. “Urushi: Masterpieces of Lacquer Ware by Kazumi Murose, Living National Treasure of Japan”, on view Oct. 25th – Nov. 16th.  They also offer a workshop on “Bamboo  Fence Building” Oct. 11th & 12th. Tickets are required and space is limited. For details, go to http://japanesegarden.com/pressroom/50th-anniversary-press-kit/.

“Cobalt Blues”, a regional and chronological variety of Asian Cobalt-glazed ceramics is on view through Oct. 19th taken from the museum collection and on loan from private collections. Portland Art Museum. 1219 SW Park Ave. (503) 226-2811 or go to portlandartmuseum.org

Versatile artist/sculptor/installation artist Kanetaka Ikeda has a series of new large brightly-hued abstract paintings set for a November show at Portland’s Blackfish Gallery at 420 NW 9th Ave. (503)224-2634 or go to blackfish.com.

The Museum of Contemporary Craft has the work of “artist-in-residence” Stephanie Syjuco in the group show, “Fashion Cascadia – The Social Life of the Garment”. This show looks at how the fashion industry shapes the regional identity of the Pacific Northwest. Through Oct. 11th.  Upcoming April 17th – August 16h in 2015 is “The New Frontier: Young Designer-Makers in the Pacific NW”. 724 NW Davis St. in Portland. (503) 223-2654 or go to mocc.pnca.edu.

The Vancouver Art Gallery in Vancouver BC, Canada  has a show entitled “The Forbidden City: Inside the Court of China’s Emperors” which captures the atmosphere and aesthetics of the Ming and Qing Dynasties with paintings, ceremonial clothing and more.  Includes nearly 200 treasured objects from the collections of Beijing’s Palace Museum. Worth the trip up north.  Opens  Oct. 18th and on view  until Jan. 11th. Opening Nov. 15th and on view until April 6th is “Unscrolled: Reframing Tradition in Chinese Contemporary Art” which looks at how Chinese artists today view their tradition.  Re-working traditional aesthetics in conceptual ways, artists use new forms and media – such as digital animations and site-specific installations-to provide a myriad of means to understand and examine traditions influence on visual culture in present-day China.750 Hornby St. (604) 662-4719 or go to vanartgallery.bc.ca.

“Meet Me at Higo” permanent exhibit- Part Two” presented and sponsored by the Wing  is a multi-media presentation and self-guided tour that tells the origins and history of the store as a Japanese American five and dime. At Kobo at Higo, 604 South Jackson. E-mail [email protected] or call (206) 381-3000.

The surreal work of multi-media New York-based artist Ryo Toyonaga is given his first major museum retrospective drawing on 20 years of ceramic and mixed sculpture, drawing and painting in “Awakening”. The images come forth from a well-spring of recurrent dreams. On view  from Oct.  11 to – Jan. 4, 2015.  On view till Dec. 28th is “Ten Symbols of Longevity and Late Joseon Korean Culture”. “Japanese Impressions from the Vault: The Rare, the Beautiful, and the Bizarre” is on view until Feb. 8th, 2015. On view till June 7, 2015 is “Elegance & Nobility: Modern & Contemporary Korean Literati Taste”. And finally “Vistas of a World Beyond: Traditional Gardens in Chinese Material Culture” is on view until July 5, 2015.University of Oregon Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art. 1430 Johnson Lane in Eugene. (541) 346-3027 or visit jsma.uoregon.edu.

“Claiming Space: Voices of Urban Aboriginal Youth” is a group show that  shows “contemporary, conceptual and Native art” that features 25 young artists across Canada, the US, Norway and New Zealand, “to define what it really means to be an urban Aboriginal artist today.” On view Through Jan. 4th, 2015 at Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver, BC. On the UBC campus. 6393 NW Marine Dr. (604) 822-5087 or go to moa.ubc.ca.

The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria has a number of Asian art shows on display now.  On view until Jan. 11th is “Hiraki Sawa: Under the Box, Beyond the Bounds”, the first comprehensive exhibition of Sawa’s work in Canada, featuring intimately scaled and monumental video works from the artists’s career. Through Oct. 19th are two shows on Japanese culture. “Kimono: Japanese Culture in its Art Form showcases the codes, culture, artistic form, complexity and etiquette of of kimono attire for different seasons and occasions. Also “From Geisha to Diva: The Kimono of Ichimaru (1906 – 1997) presents the life of one of the most famous geishas of the 20th century told through this collection of magnificent kimonos and personal effects. From Oct. 24th – Jan. 4th, “Visualizing a Culture for Strangers: Chinese Export Paintings of the Nineteenth Century” is on view. Oct. 31st – Jan. 25th is a group show entitled “Shin Hanga: The New Print Movement of Early 20th Century Japan” which look sat the new print movement that replaced ukiyo-e prints in popularity in the 20th century. 1040 Moss St. (250) 384-4171 or go to aggv.ca.

“Sacred Trees of India: Photographs by Deidi von Schaewen collects large-scale images taken by the artist over years travelling through India. Oct. 8th – Dec. 3rd. Evergreen Gallery at Evergreen State College at 2700 Evergreen Pkwy NW in Olympia. Go to evergreen.edulgallery for details.

The Wing is excited to open a new exhibition on the personal, intimate story of Bruce Lee and the significance of Seattle in his life. The Wing will be the only museum in the world, outside of Hong Kong, to present an exhibition about Bruce Lee. Want to get in on the ground floor of the planning for this show? The museum needs volunteers willing to help make this show a reality. The show opens Oct. 3rd – 5th. To volunteer, hit this link – BL_Volunteer_Registration_Form.  Volunteer Orientation starts on Tues., Sept. 30th at 6pm. If you have questions, contact Stacey Swanby at [email protected] of call (206) 623-5124×109. For details on the exhibition itself, go to www.doyouknowbruce.com.

Do Ho Suh is a Korean installation artist who has work locally in Seattle Art Museum’s permanent collection. Lehmann Maupin in New York presents a show of “Drawings” by the artist Sept. 11th – Oct. 25th, 2014 in two spaces in New York. The exhibition will highlight the significant role and varied forms drawing plays in Suh’s oeuvre. The artist will be at an opening reception on Thurs., Sept. 11 from 6 -8pm and a book launch on Sat., Sept. 13th at 540 W. 26thst from 4 – 6pm. Suh’s work will also be presented in a major solo exhibition at The Contemporary Austin opening on Sept. 20th, 2014. Lehmann Maupin is located at 540 W. 26th St. and 201 Chrystie St. Visit lehmannmaupin.com for details.

For years, community activist Jim Wong-Chu has been a strong catalyst in Vancouver B.C.’s Chinatown community sponsoring readings, activities and helping to create RicePaper, an Asian Canadian literary journal. On view now through Oct. 18th is “Pender Street East”, photographs and poetry from his 1975 book at looks at life in Chinatown and the Chinese Canadian community. Centre A, Vancouver International Centre for Contemporary Asian Art at 229 E. Georgia St. (604) 683-8326 or go to centrea.org.

The contemporary Chinese artist Ai Weiwei is today always in the news, more so since he was placed under house arrest by Chinese authorities. In 1983, he left China for the first time and lived in New York for a decade. Those early years were to prove to have a lasting influence on his consciousness and future art activities.  Now 227 black-and-white photographs of that period the artist took are on view in the show “Ai Weiwei: New York Photographs 1983-1993” at Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery at the University of British Columbia at 1825 Main Mall.  On view through Nov. 30th. (604 822-2759 or go to belkin.ubc.ca)

The Aspen Art Museum in Colorado is the first American museum designed by innovative prize-wining Japanese architect Shigeru Ban. It opened in August in the new building in downtown Aspen. With a woven-wood screen surface, it has triple the exhibition space of its’ former home. Ban has won major awards for his work designing low-cost housing and public buildings in developing countries. Future shows here will include the work of Cai Guo-Qiang and Ban, himself. For more, go to aspenartmuseum.org.

New York based visual artist/photographer Nina Kuo whose work first appeared nationally in Lucy Lippard’s groundbreaking book, “Mixed Blessings: New Art in a Multicultural America” over a decade ago seems to be on a creative tear as of late. She has work in no less than three different shows in New York at the moment. At the Andre Zarre Gallery until Oct. 3rd, the Pierogi- Boiler Room in Williamsburgh with Loren Chow Roser and a group show entitled “35 Years of Archiving” at the Museum of Chinese in Americas  which just opened. For more on her art, go to http://en.sinovision.net/occupied-canvas-nina-kuo/.

Local poet/arts educator/curator Shin Yu Pai has been appointed Exhibitions writer for the Museum of Nothwest Art in La Connor.

Japanese conceptual artist On Kawara died in Manhattan in late June at the age of 81. Kawara explored the passing of time in serial works such as “Today”.

Christopher Y. Lew has been appointed associate curator at the Whitney Museum of American Art. Prior to that he worked at MoMA PS1 on Long Island.

New Delhi-based artist Amar Kanwar has won the 2014 Leonore Annenberg Prize for Art and Social Change. The annual award goes to artists engaged with sociopolitical issues.

Here’s a look at some of the exhibitions going on across the country this fall   and beyond that may be of interest to our readers –

“Chinese American Exclusion/Inclusion – What Does It Mean To Be An American?” opens Sept. 26th  through April 19th at New-York Historical Society Museum & Library. Go to nyhistory.org.

“Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy” culled from manuscripts from the Freer and Sackler Gallery, Smithsonian Institution on view through March 22nd.  “Perspectives:Chiharu Shiota” is an installation of shoes collected by this Berlin-based installation artist originally from Japan. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery at the Smithsonian in Wash. D.C. 1050 Independence Ave. SW (202)633-1000.

“Wilfredo Lam: Imagining New Worlds” is a traveling retrospective of this Cuban-born Chinese Cuban Surrealist that emphasizes his Spanish influences as well as his ties to the European avant-garde. Now through Dec. 14th at the McMullen Museum at Boston College then to the High Museum in Atlanta Feb. 14th– May 24th. 140 Commonwealth Ave. in Chestnut Hill, MA. (617) 552-8100 or try www.bc.edu/gn-artmuseum.

“Nam June Paik: Becoming Robot” is a major survey of this Korean American multi-media artist who made technology human.  Through  Jan. 4th.    “Buddhist Art of Myanmar” Feb. 10th – May 1st, 2015. Asia Society in New York. 725 Park Ave. (212) 288-6400.

“Anonymous: Contemporary Tibetan Art” is drawn from the Shelley and Donald Rubin Collection and is on view Sept. 21 – Jan. 4th at the Queens Museum in New York. Flushing Meadows Corona Park. [email protected] or (718) 592-9700.

“Kimono: A Modern History” combines the attire with paintings, prints, books and decorative objects that depict the garment itself. Sept. 27 – Jan. 4th at the Met in New York. 1000 Fifth Ave. (212) 535-7710.

“Experiments  With Truth: Gandhi and  Images of Nonviolence” opens Oct. 2nd and remains on view until Feb. 1st at the Menil Collection, Houston. 1533 Sul Ross St. (713) 525-9400.

“Jeff Chien-Hsing Liao’s New York” shows this Taiwan-born photographer’s panoramic large-scale images of New York, combining multiple exposures over time. Oct. 15th – Feb. 15th at Museum of the City of New York. 1220 Fifth Ave. (212) 534-1672.

“Wang Jianwei: Time Temple” is the first of three commissions by the Ho Family Foundation Chinese art Initiative. This installation by a Beijing artist uses film, painting, sculpture and a theatrical production. Oct. 31st – Feb. 16th at the Guggenheim. 1071 Fifth Ave. Go to guggenheim.org for details.

“Noguchi As Photographer: The Jantar Mantars Of Northern India”. Noguchi was a restless traveler and he was fascinated with these astronomical observatories. His photos of the sites alongside sculptures and objects. At the Noguchi Museum Jan. 8 – May 31st. 9-01 33rd Road on Long Island City, New York. (718) 204-7088.

“Ghosts and Demons in Japanese Prints” is a show meant to compliment the show, “Temptation – The Demons of James Ensor”. On view Oct. 11th – Jan. 4th, 2015 at Art Institute of Chicago. 111 S. Michigan Ave. (312) 443-3600.

“For A New World To Come: Experiments In Japanese Art And Photography 1968 – 79” Over 200 works of art chronicle the Japanese artistic responses to a difficult socioeconomic time in Japan. Feb. 1st – April 26th at Museum of Fine Arts in Houston. 1001 Bissonet. (713) 639-7300.

“On Kawara: Silence” is the most comprehensive show to date of this major Conceptual artist who recently passed away. Includes live readings from his texts. Feb. 6th – May 3rd. Guggenheim. 1071 Fifth Ave. or go to guggenheim.org.

“Ink And Gold: Art Of The Kano” Gold-leaf folding screens and paintings from this sumptuous period of Japanese art established by Kano Masanobu Feb. 16th –May 10th. Philadelphia Museum of Art. 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway. (215) 763-8100.

“After Midnight: Indian Modernism To Contemporary India 1947/1997” Looks at art made after independence and how it changes over the next fifty years of globalization and change. March 1st,   – June 7th ,  2015. Queens Museum in New York. Flushing Meadows Corona Park. (718) 592-9700 or [email protected].

“Life Of Cats: Selections From The Hiraki Ukiyo-e Collection” points out the position of cats in Japanese culture. March 13th – June 2015 at Japan Society Gallery in New York. 373 E. 47th St. (212) 832-1155.

“Tseng Kwong Chi: Performing For The Camera” marks the first major museum solo show for this  late Hong Kong-born performance artist. April 21st – July 11th, 2015.  “Abby Gray and Indian Modernism: Selections from the NYU Art Collection (ongoing). Grey Art Gallery at NYU. 100 Washington Square E. (212) 998-6780.

Francisco Clemente: Inspired by India” through Feb. 2nd, 2015. “Witness At A Crossroads: Photographer Marc Riboud in Asia” chronicles the French photographer’s work across Asia. Oct. 16th – March 23rd, 2015.  Rubin Museum  of Art in New York. 150 W. 17th St. (212) 620-5000.

“V.S. Gaitonde: Painting As Process, Painting As Life”  is the first retrospective of of this Indian-born abstract painter at the Guggenheim Oct. 24th – Feb. 11th, 2015.1071 Fifth Ave. Go to guggenheim.org.

The Museum of Fine Arts Boston has the following shows coming up. “Hokusai” April 5th, 2015 – Aug. 9th, 2015. “In The Wake: Japanese Photographers respond to 3-11” from April 5th to July 12th, 2015. “8 Brokens: Bapo Paintings” set for Aug. 15th, 2015 – April 17th, 2016. A first ever exhibition dedicated to Bapo, a revolutionary genre that emerged in the mid-19th century. Painting created with Chinese ink and colors on paper and silk, they were startlingly realistic depictions of damaged cultural ephemera done in “trompe-l’oeil” style. “Made in the Americas: The New World Discovers Asia” set for Aug. 18th – Feb. 2016. First ever Pan-American exhibition to examine the profound influence of Asia on the arts of the colonial Americas. 465 Huntington Ave. (617) 267-9300.

The Asian/Pacific American Institute located at NYU brings together accomplished scholars, community builders, and artists from New York City and beyond in interactive forums, reflection, and new research. Now on view in Gallery 8 at Washington Mews is “Haunted Files: The Eugenics Record Office” curated by Noah Fuller and John Kuo Wei Tchen with Associated curator, Mark Tseng Putterman. Also current “Artist-In-Residence” is comedian Hari Kondabolu (a Seattle crowd favorite) who is scheduled to make a number of appearances throughout the year.  8 Washington  Mews in New York. (212) 998-3700 or try [email protected].

The Contemporary Austin – Jones Center and Laguna Gloria in Austin, Texas gives renowned Korean-born sculptor and installation artist Do ho Suh his first major solo exhibition in the US in more than a decade from Sept. 20th – Jan. 11th, 2015. Both existing works and newly fabricated pieces will be on view at both sites. The work draws on the artist’s personal experiences growing up in Seoul, studying art in the US and moving homes several times over in the course of his life. The Jones Center is at 700 Congress Ave. in Austin with a phone # of (512) 453-5312. Laguna Gloria is at 3809 W. 35th St. with a phone # of (512) 458-8191.

“Kip Fulbeck: Part Asian, 100% Hapa” is a show of photographs by this Southern California-based photographer/filmmaker on view until Jan. 4th, 2015 at Nikkei National Museum in Burnaby, BC, Canada.  6688  Southoaks Crescent. Burnaby, BC, Canada. [email protected].

The Asian Art Museum – Chong Moon Lee Center for Asian Art & Culture in San Francisco presents the following shows. “From Two Rises Three – The Collaborative Works of Arnold Chang and Michael Cherney” through March 1st, 2015. “Enter the Mandala – Cosmic Centers and Mental Maps of Himalayan Buddhism” through Oct. 26th, 2014.  “Dual Natures in Ceramics: Eight Contemporary Korean Artists” through Feb. 22, 2015 (on view in Terminal 3, San Francisco Int. Airport only). “Tradition on Fire: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Bissinger Collection on view through from April 5th, 2015 – Feb. 22nd, 2016. “Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia” from Oct. 24th – Jan. 18th, 2015. “Tetsuya Ishida: Saving the World with a Brush Stroke” Nov. 14th – Feb. 22nd, 2015. “Seduction: Japan’s Floating World – the Weber Collection” Feb. 20th – May 10th, 2015. “The Printer’s Eye: Ukiyo-e from the Grabhorn Collection Feb. 20th – May 10th, 2015. “Woven Luxuries: Indian, Persian and Turkish Textiles from the Indicator Collection” March 13th – Nov. 1st, 2015. “28 Chinese- Chinese Contemporary Art – Where It Has Been And Where It’s Headed” June 5th – Aug. 16th,  2015. 200 Larkin St. (415) 581-3500.

“Royal Hawaiian Featherwork: Na Hulu Ali’I” August 29th, 2015 – Feb. 28th, 2016. De Young Museum in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. (415) 750-3600. 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr. (415) 750-3600.

“Samurai: Japanese Armor from The Barbler Mueller Collection. Oct. 19th – Feb. 1st, 2015. LA County Art Museum. 5905 Wilshire Blvd. (323) 857-6000.

“HELLO! – Exploring the Supercute World of Hello Kitty” is a joint presentation of Sanrio and the Japanese American National Museum. Examines the global phenomenon of Hello Kitty and features innovative works by forty contemporary artists. Co-curated by Christine R. Yano, author of “Pink Globalization: Hello Kitty’s Trek Across The Pacific.” Opens Oct. 11th and runs through April 26th, 2015.  100 North Central Ave. in Los Angeles. (213) 625-0414 or go to janm.org.

Performing Arts

Highlights

“Masters of Hawaiian Music: George Kahumoku Jr., Ledward Kaapana, and “Uncle” Richard Ho’opi’I” perform on Oct. 6th at The Triple Door at 216 Union St. downtown. (206) 838-4333 or go to thetripledoor.net.

“Musical Voices from Myanmar” (formerly Burma) is a night of performances and conversation about the music of this little known country. Pianist Kit Young, UW grad student Ne Myo Aung and Prof. Gavin Douglas who studies state sponsored music in the political processes of Burma al contribute to the fascinating dialogue and music of this little known country. Free. Fri., Oct. 3rd in Brechemin Auditorium located in the Music Building on the Seattle campus of UW. 7:30pm.

Seattle Children’s Festival produced by Northwest Folklife takes place from 11am – 6pm at Seattle Center’s Fisher Pavillion on Sunday, Oct. 12th. For details, go to nwfolklife.org/seattlechildrenfestival.

As part of the PWEKA/FANHS/Carlos Bulosan Centennial Festivities, there will be a joint event entitled “Celebrating Brown Brilliance: Painter/Muralist Val Laigo and Jazz Artist/Symphony Composer Victor Noriega”.  Laigo was the late Seattle University Art Professor and noted artist and muralist and his work will be celebrated this evening. Jazz pianist Victor Noriega was commissioned by the Oakland Symphony to write a piece which was performed last year. Now Seattle audiences have a chance to hear it too. “Generations, Directions” is Noriega’s look at the generations of his family that immigrated to this country. Performed with Orchestra Seattle/Seattle Chamber Singers. Free. Oct. 17th. At the Filipino Community Center at 5740 MLK Jr. Way S. (206) 722-9372. Noriega’s composition will also have an earlier performance in a concert entitled “Moments of Inspiration” put on by Orchestra Seattle and Seattle Chamber Singers on Sat., Oct. 4th at First Free Methodist Church at 7:30pm. $25 a ticket.

Japanese musician “One-Man Kabuki Storyteller” Kunitoshi Kineya embarks on a 2014 U.S. tour that will take him to Portland State University’s Lincoln Studio Theater on Oct. 8th at 7pm. He specializes in performing pieces from the Nagauta repertoire on the shamisen, a three-stringed fretless lute. His concert will feature a shamisen demonstration and then a performance of “Kurozuka”, a classic Kabuki piece. 1620 SW Park Ave. Free but reservation is required. Go to http://www.jflalc.org/kunitoshi-kineya.html.

SEEDArts presents Arts Gumbo 2014, “Music & Dance Of The Islands” in two parts. “Tahiti!” features Te’a rama Dancing & Drumming Group,Te Faro O Tamatoa Dance Workshop and a Tahitian dinner on Sat., Oct. 11th from 6 – 9pm. Sat., Nov. 8th features “The Carribean!” with Grupo Utopia performing Carribean and Garifuna music, a dance workshop and a Carribean dinner. Also from 6 – 9pm. Rainer Valley Cultural Center at 3515 South Alaska St. in Seattle. For details, go to RainierValleyCulturalCenter.org/artsgumbo.org.

Thai Restaurant Bai Tong will present Joe Louis’s Traditional Thai Puppet Theatre at their restaurant soon. For details, call (425) 747-8424.

Comedian Margaret  Cho comes to the Tacoma Comedy Club for two shows nightly (6:30 & 9:30pm) on Nov. 4th & 5th. 445 Tacoma Ave. S. in Tacoma. For details, go to margaretcho.com.

Cheech & Chong hit the Emerald Queen Casino on Nov. 8th for an 8pm show. 2024 E. 29th St. in Tacoma. Go to ticketmaster.com for tickets.

Didik Nini Thowok, a master dancer from Java will give a demonstration and discussion about Javanese Dance on Nov. 10th at 7:30pm. Free. Brechemin Auditorium in the Music Building on the Seattle campus of UW. 7:30pm. Thowok is one of the few artists to continue the Indonesian tradition of “Traditional Cross Gender” in the dance form. School of Music associate professor Christina Sunardi perform cross-gender dances and discuss Didik’s work as an artist.

Seattle Symphony goes on the road and hits a high school, a theatre and a museum across Seattle.  Hear the orchestra perform free community concerts with music by Mozart, Brahms, and Schubert. Featuring Christina Ding on violin. Oct. 17th at 8pm at Chief Sealth High School in West Seattle. Oct. 18th at 2pm at Rainier Valley Cultural Center. Oct. 19th at 2pm at the Museum of Flight.

The Seattle International Comedy Competition takes place on Nov. 28th at 8pm.  Kirkland Performing Center for the Arts at 350 Kirkland Ave. N. in Kirkland, WA. (425) 828-0422 or email [email protected].

Broadway Center for the Performing Arts in Tacoma bring the Peking Acrobats to the Pantages Theatre on Sat., Jan. 17th at 7:30pm. Also booked is a production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s “The Mikado” set for Feb. 6 at 7:30pm and Feb. 8th at 2pm at the Rialto Theatre. On May 16th, Northwest Sinfonietta presents “The Taiwanese Connection”, a classical concert highlighting Taiwanese contemporary composer Gordon Chin’s premiere of his composition dedicated to Taiwan.  Also Taiwanese violinist Mae Lin plays Mendelssohn’s Violin concerto.7:30pm at the Rialto. 901 Broadway  in Tacoma. (2530 591-5840.

The Filipino American Community of South Puget Sound present “Ballet Philippines: Masterpieces on Oct. 17th at 7pm. 512 Washington St. SE at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts in Olympia. (360)753-8586 or email [email protected].

The Wayward Music Series presents Chamber works for strings, woodwinds, and percussion by composer and percussionist Paul Kikuchi with Taina Karr on oboe, Ivan Arteaga on clarinet, Greg Sinibaldi on bass clarinet, Natalie Mae Hall on cello, John Teske on bass and Paul Kikuchi on percussion. Also on the bill is a solo set from sound artist and musical polymath Rob Mills and pianist Tiffany Lin performing selections from Bach’s French Suite No. 6 intermingled with selections from Hungarian composer Gyorgy Kurtag’s “Jatekok’s” (Games).  Oct. 25th at 8pm. Chapel Performance Space. 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N. $5-$15 sliding scale. (206) 355-2917 for details or go to www.paulkikuchi.com.

Seattle Symphony plays host to a full season of events. Here are some highlights. Violinist Jennifer Koh is guest violinist when Seattle Symphony under the baton of Ludovic Morlot perform Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony on Nov. 6th & 8th. Dynamic young pianist Yuja Wang gives a piano recital on Dec. 3 at 7:30pm. “Celebrate Asia!” is the annual East meets West signature Seattle Symphony event set for March 1st.. Carolyn Kuan conducts the orchestra in a program of music by A. R. Rahman, Yugo Kanno in a Seattle Symphony Commission U.S. Premiere and music by Tan Dun. Musical guests include Chiaki Endo on koto, Dozan Fujiwara on shakuhachi and Meeka Quan DiLorenzo on cello. Yuja Wang returns as piano solist with the London Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Michael Tilson Thomas in a program of Britten, Gershwin and Shostakovich on April 1st. April 21st brings the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra to town under the baton of Myung-Whun Chung with Sunwook Kim on piano. Yo Yo Ma, cello virtuoso plays one afternoon only with the symphony on May 3rd at 2pm. On May 26th, violinist Pinchas Zukerman performs with pianist Angela Cheng. Visit Seattlesymphonyorg or call (206)215-4747.

Book-It Repertory’s adaptation of  David Guterson’s “Snow Falling on Cedars” plays the Bainbridge Performing Arts Center March 13th – 28th, 2015. (206) 842-8569.

The Ahn Trio, a family of classical siblings perform at the Edmonds Center for Performing Arts on Jan. 9th, 2015. 410 Fourth Ave. n. in Edmonds. (425) 275-9595.

The 4th Annual Benefit for the Tibet Fund featuring former North American representative for His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Lobsang Nyandak and award-winning photographer Phil Borges as guest speakers takes place at 5pm on Sun., Sept. 27th at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church at 4805 N.E. 45th in Seattle. Traditional and contemporary dance featuring Tibetan artists and internationally known musicians such as Tashi Tsering, Gary Stroutsos and Pamela Mortensen as well as emerging artists such as Lobsang Tsatultsang, Tenzin Dawa and Dhundup Dorjee. There will also be a dinner featuring Tibetan cuisine and  silent & live auctions. To learn more about the Tibet Fund, go to Tibetfund.org. For tickets, visit Om_Zappy or call (206)-713-7325.

Washington Hall has played a long-storied tradition in the lives, culture and fabric of Seattle’s many multi-cultural communities throughout the years. FANHS celebrates that with their event entitled “Growing Up Brown: Memories of Washington Hall” which celebrates the local Filipino American community’s participation in this theatre Oct. 3rd from 6:30 – 9pm. Robert Flor’s play-in-progress entitled “My Uncle’s Letters” has a scene in this hall from the 1930’s. This scene will be performed as part of the celebration. 14th Ave. & E. Fir Street.

The Northwest Tea Festival takes place Oct. 4th  (10am – 6pm) & 5th  (10am – 4pm) at Fisher Pavillion at Seattle Center. Numerous workshops and presentations on the art of tea will be available. For details, try logging on to http://www.nwteafestival.com/.

This fall brings the 26th Annual Earshot Jazz Festival. Oct. 10th – Nov. 11th at various sites around Puget Sound. Tri Minh Quartet: Sounds from Hanoi” play Sun., Oct. 12 at Poncho Concert Hall, Cornish College of the Arts at 8pm. Bassist/composer Linda Oh who will be performing with the Joe Lovano Dave Douglas Sound Prints Quintet Sat., Oct. 18th at Town Hall Seattle at 8pm. Sun., Nov. 2 at EMP, Level 3 at 7:30pm, Industrial Revelation with Cuong Vu and Ted Poor perform.. Also Korean American saxophonist/singer/composer Grace Kelly is guest artist with the Seattle Women’s Jazz Orchestra. On Tues., Nov. 4th at the Triple Door at 7:30pm. To find out the full line-up of this annual aural feast of great music, go to www.earshot.org.

Celebrate the thunderous energy of taiko or Japanese drums when “Bellevue World Taiko Festival 2014” explodes on the stage of Bellevue Performing Arts Center at Bellevue High School on Oct. 18th. At 6:30pm. 10416 Wolverine Way. With special guest and Kagura specialist Yu Imatuku, CHIKIRI, Seattle Kokon Taiko and special collaboration with Bellevue High School Orchestras, kids family concerts plus additional  workshops.  The Kids & Family Concert on Oct. 19th at 1pm at Bellevue Highland Community Center at 14224 Bel-Red  Rd. in Bellevue. For details on it all, go to www.japantaiko.com.

The Hansberry Project presents “Represent!” – A Multicultural Playwrights Festival” in various theatre spaces (in the Bullitt Cabaret Oct. 1st and 5th and in the Eulalie Scandiuzzi Space Oct. 2nd – 4th) around ACT Theatre downtown in partnership with eSe Teatro, SIS, Pratidhwani, and ACT’s Central Heating Lab. A great opportunity to hear and see new work by  playwrights of color. Oct. 3rd at 7:30pm Pratidhwani will present a production. On Oct. 4th at 7:30pm, the Hansberry Project presents “Zenith by Kirsten Greenridge. Oct. 5th at 2pm a “Local Writers Showcase” will take place presenting an excerpt of  Robert Flor’s new  play “My Uncle’s Letters” as directed by Eloisa Cardona. 700 Union St. (206) 292-7676.

If you love the mournful, piercing sound of the Japanese shakuhachi flute, you should not miss the Seattle Shakuhachi Matsuri planned for Oct. 25th at the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington. $10 suggested donation.  1414 S. Weller St. (503)235-5468.

“Fast Company” is the latest production by Porkfilled  Players. It’s a Chinese American crime caper by Carla Ching and directed by Amy Poisson. Nov. 6th – 23rd. Theatre Off Jackson at 409 Seventh Ave. S. (206) 340-1049 or go to theareoffjackson.org.

SIS presents “REVEALED: Celebrating Women – A Theatrical Tour of the International District”. Take a one-of-a-kind theatrical walking tour (with snacks, of course) of Seattle’s International District revealing the stories of women, both contemporary and historical, who have helped to shape this unique cultural neighborhood starring many of the  local actresses you know and love from “Sex in Seattle” fame. Oct. 2nd at 6pm, Oct. 4th at 10am and Oct. 5th at 11am. Free but advance reservations are required to guarantee a spot. Please email [email protected] to get your ticket. For details, go to http://celebr8women.wordpress.com/events-2/revealed/.

Local Japan earthquake relief group “Songs of Hope” hold a family concert event and story time for children on Sun., Oct. 5th from 1:30 – 2:30 pm at Learning Park at 13107 NE 20th St. #5 in Bellevue. $15 suggested donation for Japan Relief. For details, go to [email protected].

Jennifer Paz takes the lead role in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “In The Heights – A Hip Hop Musical With a Salsa Beat” with performances scheduled for two venues presented by Village Theatre. Sept. 18th – Oct. 26th at Issaquah’s Francis J. Gaudette Theatre at 303 Front St. N. in Issaquah. (425) 392-2202 and Oct. 31st – Nov. 23rd at Everett Performing Arts Center at 2710 Wetmore Ave. (425) 257-8600.

“Songs of Unsung Seattle” is a series of 2 programs presented around Seattle by the Steve Griggs Ensemble. “Panama Hotel Jazz” is a program with original narration and music written around Japanese American endurance of injustice during World War II internment. They perform at the following venues.   Oct. 5th at 2pm at Ballard Branch Library. For details, call (206) 386-4636 or go to www.spl.org/jazz.

ReAct Theatre, Seattle’s multi-ethnic and philanthropic theatre continues their 2014 Mainstage Season. They  plan to mount a production of Pulitzer finalist Stephen Karam’s “Sons of the Prophet” in Nov. For details, go to http://www.reacttheatre.org/ and you can get reservations online through Brown Paper Tickets. (206)364-3283.

The Degenerate Art Ensemble led by Joshua Kohl and Haruko Nishimura premiered their work-in-progress entitled “Predator Songstress” in a collaboration with the Kronos String Quartet to a packed house at the Neptune. Now they are back in residency at Cornish fine-tuning the project from Oct. 6th – 18th which culminates in a free performance on Oct. 18th at the Cornish/Intiman Playhouse at Seattle Center. Collaborators this time around include  Path with Art, Olson Kundig Architects and Cornish College of the Arts. The artists include BenZamora from Lillienthan/Zamora, Leo Mayberry, architect and installation artist Alan Maskin & blair Payson of Olson kundig Architects, actor/performance artist Paul Budraitis, and Terry Podgorski of Café Nordo. For details, go to Cornish College of the Arts.

Soprano Haeran Hong sings in the Seattle Opera production of Richard Strauss’ “Aradauf Naxos” set for May 2 – 6th, 2015. Go to http://seattleopera.org for details.

Opening on Oct. 30th  – Nov. 16th is a new Tacoma theatre company, Dukesbay Productions presentation of Velina Hasu Houston’s play “Tea” about post WWII Japanese war brides in the Midwest. Following the tragic death of one, the women gather for tea and memories and as the stories unfold, we learn what life in small-town America gave them, and what it took away. Go to http://dukesbay.org/shows/ for details on the play and ticket information. Stars Kathy Hsieh of SIS, Elisa Cardona, Aya Hashiguchi, Susan Mayeno and Joy Misako St. Germain. Directed by Randy Clark.

The pioneer all women Japanese rock group Shonen Knife returns to Seattle for a show on Oct. 12th to Ballard’s Tractor Tavern. 5213 Ballard Ave. N.W. (206) 789-3599.

The 7th Annual Diwali Ball is a celebration of the Hindu Festival of Lights At SAM. Includes dinner, dance performances, Bollywood dance lessons, henna and fortune telling. $95 a ticket.  Th., Oct. 16th at 7pm. At Seattle Art Museum at 1300 First Ave. (206) 625-8900 or go to seattleartmuseum.org.

MONQUI presents singer/songwriter Rachael Yamagata in a show on Oct. 20th at The Crocodile in Belltown. 2200 2nd Ave. (206) 441-4618.

The Undergraduate Theatre Society at UW will present a new production of David Henry Hwang’s play, “Yellow Face” as directed by Eliza Wu from Jan. 22nd – Feb. 1st, 2015.

The Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra with  Myung-Whun Chung conducting and Sunwook Kim on piano take on Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 5 and Brahms Symphony No. 4 on April 21st, 2015 at 7:30pm. Noted American cellist Yo-Yo Ma  performs with Seattle Symphony on May 3rd at 2pm.  At Benaroya Hall downtown at 3rd & Union. (206) 215-4747 or go to seattlesymphony.org.

Veronica Lee-Baik, Artistic Director of The Three Yells Dance Company premieres  her new work “Moon Falling” Nov. 7th & 8th at Velocity Dance Center. This is her first work since reviving the company in 2014 after taking an extended hiatus to recharge personally and creatively. “Moon Falling” investigates the damage of society’s pursuit for perfection and convenience. Originally from Singapore, Lee-Baik studied dance and art at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and trained at the Royal Acdemy of Dance, the Martha Graham School and Cornish College of the Arts. To reserve your seat, you must RSVP at (206) 799-3887 or email [email protected].

Violinist Michael Lim joins Cornish Faculty member and pianist Cristina Valdes in a concert of contemporary pieces with David Requiro on cello. Sun., Nov. 23rd at Kerry/Poncho Hall. 7pm.

Town Hall Seattle  “Global Rhythms” series has the following.  Kekuhi and Kaumakaiwa Kanaka’ole sweeten the romance on Valentine’s day with a performance of Hawaiian music and dance. Sat., Feb. 14, 2015 at 8pm. The Hamsaz Ensemble play a concert entitled “Iran Through the Centuries” on Thurs., March 26, 2015 at 7pm. Rounding off the “Global Rhythms” Series is Saigon’s Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre featuring Rup Tung Cack on Fri., May 15th at 8pm. This is a 1,000 year-old folk art form. 1119 Eighth Ave. (206) 652-4255 or email [email protected] or go to townhall.org for details.

Jazz trumpeter/composer and UW Music faculty member Cuong Vu leads his trio with Ted Poor on drums and Cameron Sharif on keyboard in a concert of original music that  crosses the lines between noise pop, grunge and ambient minimalism. Sat., Oct. 11th at 7:30pm in the Meany Studio Theatre on the Seattle UW campus. (206) 543-4880 or go to uwworldseries.org.

EnActe Arts presents “A Modern Vyasa and his Mahabharata”. Jean-Claude Carriere, famed French playwright, actor, director and film partner of Luis Bunuel – performs his recent version of India epic Mahabharata as a storyteller. His earlier work on  this classic were made into films directed by Peter Brook. Sun. Oct. 19th at 4pm. Seattle Asian Art Museum auditorium. For tickets, visit enacte.org. Hosted by Sam’s Gardner Center for Asian Art and Ideas. (206) 442-8480 or email [email protected].

A Hmong New Year Celebration takes place at Seattle Center on Nov. 8th. Part of the Festal Series. Music, performing arts, food, cultural activities and workshops/demonstrations for adults and children. Go to seattlecenter.com/festal for details.

“UW President’s Piano Series” presents classical pianist Jon Kimura Parker in a recital of Beethoven, Schumann, Schubert & others on Fri., Nov. 14th at 7:30pm in Meany Hall on the Seattle campus of UW. (206) 543-4880 or go to uwworldseries.org.

Popular slack key guitarist/singer Makana makes a welcome return to Seattle as part of the “Live @ Benaroya Hall” series this fall on Nov. 20th. (206) 215-4747 for ticket information.

Local composer/performance artist Byron Au Yong was an “artist-in-residence” at the International Festival of Arts & Ideas in New Haven recently with fellow collaborator Aaron Jefferis where they are developing ideas for “Trigger”, a music/theater project based on the Virginia Tech tragedy. “The Orphan of Zhao” of which au Yong did the music ended its’ run at San Francisco’s ACT and opens July 8th – August 2nd at La Jolla Playhouse.

“From Portland With Love” is an “Autumn Charity Concert” which will benefit Tsunami victims in Japan.  An evening of Japanese  appetizers, refreshments, poetry, classical music and Japanese culture. With Junko Otsu on violin, Tomoko Okada on piano and actress Yoshi Ichige , star of the Fuji TV drama “From Oregon With Love” reading poetry.   Oct. 9th starting at 5pm. World Forestry Center in Washington Park. Go to https://goo.gl/maps/VDw1K  or http://www.fromportlandwithlove/tickets.html for details.

UW Music Faculty member Melia Watras  and violist explores improvised and notated music with an all-star group of local musicians including jazz trumpeter Cuong Vu and Pacific Northwest Ballet concertmaster/ violinist Michael Jinsoo Lim. Sun., Jan. 11th at 7:30pm. $20 tickets with $12 student rate. Meany Theater on the Seattle campus of UW. (206) 543-4880.

The Nile Project was inspired by Yo-Yo Ma’s Silkroad Project. Egyptian musicologist Mina Girgis and Ethiopian American singer Meklit Hadero follow the source of the river and combine the musical riches of musicians from 11 countries lined by the Nile Basin. Expect to hear a concert of music from the polyrhymic styles of Lake Victoria and the Ethiopian highlands onto the shores of Egypt and Sudan. Fri., Jan. 30th at 8pm. Meany Theatre on the Seattle UW campus.  Go to uwworldseries.com or call (206) 543-4880.

UW Music collaborates with the student-led Improvised Music Project for a series of concerts for IMPFEST VII with a house band of UW instructors and visiting faculty and jazz studies students.  Hard to go wrong with a band consisting of Steve Swallow, Chris Cheek, Bill Frisell, Cuong Vu and Ted Poor. May 1st – 3rd,  2015. All performances at the Ethnic Cultural Center on 3931 Brooklyn  Ave. NE in Seattle. $20 general and  $12 students. (206) 543-4880.

It’s always refreshing to hear young talent. Trio Andromeda consisting of violinist Allion Salvador, cellist Hye Jung Yang and pianist Li-Cheng Hung won the 2014 UW Strings and Piano Chamber Ensemble Competition. They give two concerts  in 2015 on Jan. 31st at 4:30pm and Sat., May 30th at 7:30pm. Tickets are $5. Brechemin Auditorium in the Music Building on the Seattle UW campus. (206) 543-4880.

Srivani Jade, Indian vocalist is the  UW Winter Quarter Ethnomusicology Visiting Artist. She gives a recital with her students on “Hindustani Khyal Music from India” on tues. , March 10th at 7:30pm in Brechemin Auditorium in the Music Building on the Seattle UW campus. (206) 543-4880. $5 tickets. (206) 543-4880.

UW School of Music alumna Wendy Yamashita, now a faculty member at the University of Hawai’i, Manoa returns to UW Seattle to give a “Master Class and Recital” on April 28th and 29th, 2015. Expect a program of Mozart and Chopin for the 28th recital at 7:30pm with $15 tickets. The April 29rd Master class is free and starts at 4:30pm. Brechemin Auditorium in the Music Building on the Seattle UW campus. (206) 543-4880.

El Teatro Campesino is a theatre group directed by Luis Valdez that came out of the Farm Worker’s movement led by Caesar Chavez and is now considered a California theatrical treasure. Last year Valdez wrote a play entitled “Valley of the Heart”, a love story rooted in the Santa Clara Valley and the Heart Mountain, Wyoming concentration camp for Japanese Americans during WWII. It follows two families, one Japanese American and one Mexican American and how their relationships intertwine during this period of war. This production played to sold-out houses last summer and returns by popular demand. Performances are on Thursdays through Sundays now until Oct. 12, 2014. For complete information, go to www.elteatrocampesino.com or call 1-800-838-3006 for tickets. El Teatro Campesino is at 705 Fourth St in San Juan Bautista, CA.

Eastern Washington-raised, New York-based writer/director Young Jean Lee who has brought her previous performance pieces to OTB in Seattle has a new piece opening in Nov. at The Public Theater entitled “Straight White Men”.

YenFen Wang, originally from Shanghai plays the Chinese classical harp known as the guzheng. She will be opening “The Seattle Guzheng Studio” in September at 14950 S.E. Allen Rd., Suite #A in Bellevue. For details, go to http://www.seattleguzheng.com.

UNIT SOUZOU is the newest professional taiko company to form in the Northwest. Out of Portland, the group consists of Michelle Fujii and Toru Watanabe. Fujii was until recently Artistic Director of Portland Taiko and Watanabe was a member. For more information, go to www.unitsouzou.com.

“In Convergence Liberation” (PI Recordings) is   the latest release by Bay Area saxophonist/composer/theorist Hafez Modirzadeh . The new work further explores Modirzadeh’s concept of “Chromodality,” a cross-cultural musical approach that allows for the co-existence between different musical temperaments from around the world. Music on the recording utilizes such disparate influences such as Persian and Ilberian scales, Andalusian poetry, the Iraqi maqam, and the classical string quartet tradition as performed by ETHEL, Argentine-Mexican vocalist Mili Bermejo and Iraqi-American Amir ElSaffar (Iraqi santur, vocal and trumpet) singing in Spanish and Arabic, respectively, and Faraz Minooei (Persian santur), and Amir Abbas Etemadzadeh (Persian daff and tombak) together demonstrate the power of music to break free from cultural barriers to create a true universal language.

In Oct., 2014, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts will present a performance piece entitled “A Body in a Station” conceived and performed by movement artist Eiko (of the husband/wife dance duo known as Eiko & Koma). This will be her first solo performance. The performances will take place at Amtrack 30th Street Station in Philadelphia on Oct. 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th. In parallel with the performance, The pennslyvania Academy of Fine arts presets “A Body in Fukushima”, an exhibition of still photographs by William Jonhston of Eiko alone in an abandoned rail station in post-tsunami Fukushima, Japan station. By presenting these two pieces, Eiko seeks to establish her body as a constant, a link between two different locations and a conduit between Philadelphia and the radiation-devastated Fukushima. The performance/exhibition by Eiko travels on to the University of Colorado Galleries of Contemporary Art in Colorado Springs in Dec. and then to Wesleyan University Center for the Fine Arts in Feb. of 2015. Eiko expects to tour with this performance through 2015. Go to eikoandkoma.org for more details.

Film & Media

Highlights

You can access the series, “Seattle Voices”, hosted by writer/moderator/community organizer Eric Liu from a Sept. 2nd program where he interviewed UW Professor and novelist Shawn Wong about his various writing projects at Seattle Channel 21, HD321 Comcast, 721 Wave.

Aono Jikken’s next project will be a live silent film score with benshi narration for rediscovered director Hiroshi Shimizu’s acclaimed modernist drama entitled “Japanese Girls at the Harbor” (1933), presented at both the Northwest Film Forum and the Seattle Asian Art Museum respectively. The story chronicles the complex relationship between a young Japanese woman with a circle of Eurasian friends in the cosmopolitan port city of Yokohama. Considered a  re-discovered masterpiece of the Japanese silent film era and not to be missed. First screening is on Sat., Oct. 4th at 8pm at Northwest Film Forum and tickets are available at nwfilmforum.org. Second screening is on Sun., Oct. 5th from 3 – 4:30pm in the Seattle Asian Art Museum auditorium. (206) 654-3210 for tickets. Also not to miss at the NW Film Forum is the Nov. 14th – 20th screening of “Norte, The End of History” by Filipino auteur Lav Diaz which won best film at the 2014 Locarno Film Festival. The film is a look at the tramautic and transformative effects of global capitalism in the Philippines through the eyes of a jailed shopkeeper.

The Japanese Cultural & Community Center presents a Japanese film series entitled “Matinee Eiga” every Sunday at 2pm. $5 for non-members and $3 for JCCCW members. 1414 S. Weller St. (206) 568-7114 or go to www.jcccw.org. Call (425) 369-1012 for details.

“Patema Inverted”  is a new anime vision from Yasuhiro Yoshiura opening Sept. 26th, a sci-fi romance between two teens who live in the same world but on opposite gravitational pulls. Alain Resnais’ classic 1959 drama  “Hiroshima Mon Amour” about a French actress and Japanese man who embark on a brief relationship after WWII in Hiroshima with the stains of war on both their souls returns in a new 4K restoration set for Oct. 31 – Nov. 9th at both the SIFF Film Center and SIFF Cinema Uptown. SIFF Cinema Uptown.Go to siff.net for complete details.

You may have heard that SIFF was on a campaign to match funds from a local donor to renovate the Egyptian Theater to get it ready for a grand re-opening. Now christened SIFF Cinema Egyptian, it will open its doors again at 801 E. Pine St. Oct. 3rd – 5th with a selection of the biggest hits in the theatre’s history to be shown once again. Admission to this special opening week is just 5 screenings for $5  or FREE with a receipt from any Capitol Hill business dated Oct. 1st – 5th, 2014. “The Midnight Movie” also makes a welcome return in Oct. They will now offer a Student Membership of $35 which gets you discounted tickets at SIFF Cinema and the Festival, a popcorn punch card good for fice free bags and  a 3 month trial subscription to Seattle Met. This membership must be purchased in person with a valid student ID. Some highlights from the first week include a co-presentation of Bruce Lee  in “Enter The Dragon” with the Wing Luke Museum on Oct. 3rd at 9:30pm. The  Hayao Miyazaki classic animated featured “My Neighbor Totoro” plays on Oct. 4th at 12:30pm and then again on Oct. 5th at 12:30pm. The first feature to play at the Egyptian was Akira Kurosawa’s “Kagemusha” which screens Oct. 5th at 3pm. Go to siff.net for more details.

Northwest Film Forum presents  Aono Jikken Ensemble performing an original score live to the re-discovered Japanese silent film masterpiece, “Japanese Girls at the Harbor” by master director Hiroshi Shimizu. Sun. Oct. 5th at 3pm. 1515 – 12th Ave. for details, go to nwfilmforum.org.

Upcoming films that will screen at a Landmark theatre include the following – “Last Days in Vietnam” (see related article in this issue)  is a documentary film by Rory Kennedy that looks at the waning days of the Vietnam war and how some American officials and military took it upon themselves to help many Vietnamese escape before the North took over the South. Opens Oct. 3rd at the Varsity. Opening Oct. 17th also at the Varsity is Hong Khaou’s “Lilting” which tells the story of a Cambodian Chinese mother left alone in London when her immigrant son unexpectedly dies until a British stranger intervenes. A favorite of the recent SIFF.

Isao Takahata’s  (“Grave of the Fireflies”) first film in 14 years is Studio Ghibli’s new feature length animated film. Entitled “The Tale of Princess Kaguya” based on the classic Japanese folk story “The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter”, the film opened in Japan recently. It will eventually open in the U.S. once it’s been dubbed and sub-titled and picks up a U.S. distributor. A trailer shows the customary care given to hand-drawn images and sumptuous coloring.

Local film festivals are a great way to see new films from around the country and around the world before they even hit the theatres. Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival runs at the Egyptian Theatre on Capitol Hill in Seattle Oct. 9th – 19th. Selections usually include a few films from Asia.For program details, go to www.threedollarbillcinema.org. Tacoma Film Festival celebrates independent film with over 100 selections from the Northwest and all over the world. Oct. 9 – 16th presented by the Grand Cinema. For a complete schedule, go to tacomafilmfestival.com.

UW Taiwanese Graduate  Students present a new film from Taiwan entitled “KANO” about how a baseball team from a vocational school in Taiwan went from a losing record to the finals at Koshien, Japan’s national high school baseball championship. Masatoshi Nagase stars as the coach who brings the team together made up of Taiwanese, Japanese and Taiwanese aborigines and fashions them into a championship team. Screen on Oct. 24th at UW Kane Hall on the Seattle campus. 6:30 discussion with the co-producer and  a 7:30pm screening of the film.

Nov. 13th will be a Carlos Bulosan Weekend Kick-off  film showing of Marissa Aroy’s “Delano Manongs” with a reception. The film documents the struggles of Filipino American farmworkers to unionize.  Free and place tba.  For details, email [email protected].

Other films to look out for in the following season include:

“Fires on the Plain” by Shinya Tsukamoto based on the book about Japanese soldiers in combat during the end of WWII.

“Faith Connections” by Pan Nalin is a documentary of the people met at the Hindu pilgrimage Kumbh Mela.

“Awake: The Life Of Yogananda” is a documentary by Paola di Florio and Lisa Leeman that looks at the life of the man who brought Yoga to the West.

“Happy New Year” is a heist film wrapped in a Bollywood musical as directed by Farah Khan.

“Revenge Of The Green Dragons” by Hong Kong director Wai Keung-lau finds two Chinese immigrant brothers in New York with no choice but to join a Chinatown gang.

Hong Sang-soo’s  new film about a failed cross-cultural romance entitled “Hill of Freedom” staring Ryo Kase.

Hong Kong director Anna Hui’s “The Golden Era” which looks at the story of radical woman author Xiao Hong.

“The Look of Silence” by Joel Oppenheimer’s companion film to the Indonesian genocide chronicle, “The Act of Killing”.

Taiwanese director Tsai Ming-liang’s “Stray Dogs”, a grim look at the very poor living on the streets of Taipei.

Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s “Seventh Code” tells the story of a Japanese girl traveling to Russia to meet the man she never forgot.

Director Hiromasa Yonebayashi returns after “Arrietty” to direct an animated feature based on a British book entitled “When Marnie Was There” for Studio Ghibli.

“Coming Home” is a reunion of sorts for Director Yimou Zhang and his former girlfriend/lead actress Li Gong.

“All You Need  Is Love” is a documentary about Burmese children in immigrant camps situated along the Thailand-Myanmar border at a school. Directed by Stuart Cameron and narrated by Sigourney Weaver.

“The Interview” is the story of two tabloid celebrity TV hosts who inadvertently land an interview with the North Korean leader. The CIA intervenes, asking them to assassinate the supreme leader while they’re there. Stars Seth Rogen, James Franco and Randall Park. Directed by Rogen and Evan Goldberg.

The Written Arts

Highlights

Seattle writer Harold Taw co-curates the 2014 edition of WordsWest Literary Series. For the October 15th event, he features poets Rick Barot and Lena Khalaf Tuffaha. Both poets will read their work and explore with the audience how poetry confronts what is painful, confounding, and divisive in the human experience. Barot has published three poetry collections with Sarabande Books and teaches at PLU in Tacoma. He is also the director of The Rainier Writing Workshop. Lean Khalaf Tuffaha has lived the experiences of a first-generation American, immigrant and expatriate. Her poem entitled “Running Orders”-written from the perspective of a Palestinian evacuee in Gaza went viral online. Her poems appear in the anthology “Being Palestinian” to be published by Oxford Press in 2015.  The WordsWest Literary Series takes place every third Wednesday at 7pm at C & P Coffee Company in West Seattle. 5612 California Ave. SW. Go to http://wordswestliterary.com/ for details.

Ru Freeman is a Sri Lankan born writer. Her novel “On Sal Mal Lane” was a New York Times Editor’s Choice and looked at how the country crumbled under the conflict of civil war neighbor by neighbor. She will return to Seattle to participate in  the Hugo House Literary Series entitled “Rough Day” with Dean Young and Elissa Washuta. Besides giving a reading of new work addressing the theme ‘Rough Day” on Oct. 17th at 7:30pm, Ms. Freeman will also conduct a workshop Oct. 18th from 1 – 4pm entitled “Let’s Not Mention The Bomb In the Room”. Other writing workshops by local writers include one on the theme of “Ending a Poem” taught by Seattle poet Jane Wong set for Nov. 15th. 1634 – 11th Ave. on Capitol Hill. For details, call (206) 322-7030 or visit  hugohouse.org.

Oct. 10th at 7pm the Seattle Public Central Library hosts the Washington State Book Awards. Kobi Yamada’s “What Do You Do With an Idea?” is a picture book finalist.

Local writer Eric Liu reads from his latest book that looks at Chinese American history in relation to China, “Chinaman’s Chance” on Oct. 22nd at the Seattle Public Central Library. 7pm.

The “Lit Crawl Seattle” happens at various spots around town at 6pm, 7pm & 8pm after a party at Hugo House  and includes writers and poets Oliver de la Paz, Kim Fu, Sam Kim and Eimer McBride. Go to http://litcrawl.org/seattle/schedule for details.

Azar Nafisi reads from “Republic of Imagination: America in Three Books” (Viking) on Oct. 27th at Seattle Public Central Library at 7pm. Free.

“Dying With Dignity” is the topic doctor/author Atul Gawande addresses in a talk he gives on Mon., Oct. 20 at 7:30pm. Town Hall Seattle. 1119 Eighth Ave. (206) 652-4255 or go to townhallseattle.org.

Yumi Sakagawa is in town in conjunction with the Short Run Festival (http://www.shortrun.org/) and her book, “Your Illustrated Guide to Becoming One With The Universe”. Nov. 16th at 3:30pm at Elliott Bay Book Company.

Ruth Ozeki’s latest novel “A Tale for the Time Being” managed to  turn a huge news item into a very personal story of relationships between people as a woman off the coast of Vancouver BC finds the journal of a Japanese young girl washed up on the beach after the Japanese tsunami. Seattle Arts & Lectures brings Ozeki to town to talk about this book and perhaps her new introduction to the new UW Press edition of John Okada’s “No No Boy”. Thurs., Nov. 20th at Town Hall Seattle. 1119 Eighth Ave.

Rajesh Rao discusses his book “Brain Computer Interfacing” on Nov. 19th at 7pm at UW Kane Hall.

Seattle poet Lawrence Matsuda (“A Cold Wind From Idaho”) has collaborated with artist Roger Shimomura to produce a new book entitled “Glimpses of a Forever Foreigner – Poetry & Artwork Inspired by Japanese American Experience”. Shimomura was interned as a youngster with his family at Minidoka War Relocation Center during WW II and Lawrence Matsuda would be born there. For both, the forced incarceration experience would have a profound influence on their work. This book grew out of a common interest in  that incarceration and their desire  to express their concern about the injustice. Shimomura read the unpublished manuscript of poems and selected the poems he wanted to illustrate. The powerful poems find fortuitous company with the artist’s razor sharp artwork. Available locally at Elliott Bay Book Company and Kobo at Higo and through Amazon.

Seattle poet and Examiner contributor Shin Yu Pai was nominated for a Stranger Genius Award in the “Literature” category. On Oct. 18th, the Stranger will host a party for all 15 finalists at the Moore Theatre in which the winners will be announced. Go to thestranger.com/genius for details.

Early warning – Seattle Arts & Lectures brings award-winning novelist Ruth Ozeki to town in a reading billed as “An Evening With Ruth Ozeki” set for Nov. 20th at 7:30pm in the Great Hall at Town Hall Seattle. 1119 – 8th Ave. (Enter on 8th Ave.) She will most likely be reading from “A Tale for the Time Being”, her most recent novel that tells the trans-pacific story of a woman on the Northwest coast who finds the diary of a teenage Japanese girl washed ashore after the tsunami. Nominated for the Man Booker Prize. (206) 652-4255 for Townhall Seattle. To reach Seattle Arts & Lectures, call (206) 621-2230 or go to [email protected].

Seattle poet Jane Wong participates in a Jack Straw Writers Program reading on Sun., Oct. 5th at 7pm at Elliott Bay Book Company at 1521 – 10th Ave. Go to www.jackstraw.org for details.

Seattle poet Kevin Minh Allen’s first book of poetry has just been published. It is entitled “My Proud Sacrifice” and can be ordered at myproudsacrifice.tumbir.com/. He reads from his book on Sun., Oct. 19th at 4pm along with music by Esther Sugai and Susie Kozawa. KOBO at Higo.  604 S. Jackson St. (206) 381-3000.

Seattle paper cut artist/activist Lauren Iida and her Antipodes Collective is currently in Cambodia distributing donated books for their children’s library in Prasot village in Cambodia. Donations fund things like pre-class meals for students, library construction and materials. For details on this project, go to www.theantipodescollective.org.

Seattle Antiquarian Book Fair is on Oct. 11th & 12th (Sat. 10 – 6pm and Sun. from 11 – 4pm) with $5 admission fee good for both days. Seattle Center Exhibition Hall. For details, go to seattlebookfair.com.

R. Gregory Nokes’ “Massacred for Gold: The Chinese in Hells Canyon” (Oregon State University Press) has just gone into a fourth printing. The book tells the story of a little known massacre of over 30 Chinese miners on the Oregon side of Hells Canyon and how it was covered up for the next 100 years.

Art News/Opportunities

“Duwamish Revealed” is a series of outdoor art installations, performances, community activities and other adventures to help develop art as a way to connect people to the Duwamish River. Activities are planned for the spring and summer of 2015. You do not have to be a professional artist to be part of this project. If you have a vision for a project on the river, let us know. Read details of our call for applications at http://www.duwamishrevealed.com/call-to-artists/.

Densho: The Japanese American Legacy Project’s annual fundraising event, “Sushi & Sake Fest 2014” takes place on Wed., Oct. 1st from 6 – 8:30pm. Museum of History & Industry at  South Lake Union. 860 Terry Ave. N. $100 for the first 250 early-bird tickets. For details, go to www.sushisakefest.org.

The Seattle Japanese School P.T.A.’s semi-annual used book sale “Furuhon Ichi” takes place on Sat., Oct. 4th from 11am – 2pm. Cash only. Japanese second hand books, CD’s, DVD’s and educational toys/games will be featured. 13646 NE 24th St. in Bellevue at Westminster Chapel. Donations of these items can be accepted at the Seattle Japanese School Office at 919 – 124th Ave. NE #207. For more information, go to http://www.seajschoolpta.org.

On The Boards, presenter of Contemporary Performance in Seattle has reached out to the community and created “The Ambassador Project” which will tap sixteen of Seattle’s brightest cultural, creative, and civic leaders to help strengthen community ties as they lend their voices and perspectives to the art presented at OTB. Poet Shun Yu Pai recently nominated for a Stranger Genius Award and Ro Yoon, a Korean-born second generation American sensory-addicted politically queer trans-formed activist are part of the team. For details, go to ontheboards.org.

The 2015 Annual Washington State Juried Art Competition issues a call for artists of Washington State to submit their work. Deadline is Nov. 17th, 2014. Over  $9,000 inAwards. To enter, try CallForEntry.org. for more information, call (360) 551-7526 or go to CVGShow.com.

Seattle Transmedia & Independent Film Festival issues a call for submissions. Early submission is now open for entries in all 16 categories, including the relatively conventional (short, feature, documentary, animation), the wonderfully wacky (fan fiction, experimental), and the entirely new (emerging technology, new media, video game). For information or to submit a film, weisode, app. or multi-platform interactive narrative to STIFF 2015, visit http://trueindependent.org/stiff/submit/. The festival takes place May 1 – 9 in the University District of Seattle.

Applications for  2015 Jack Straw Residency Programs are now available. They offer established and emerging artists in diverse disciplines an opportunity to explore the creative use of sound in a professional atmosphere through residencies in our recording studios and participation in our various presentation programs. Artists may apply to only one program per year. The Writers Program takes twelve writers working in all forms and styles selected by a guest curator. Participants will create new work during the residency to be presented through live readings, recorded interviews, a published anthology, and via podcasts on our website. Participants also receive professional training in voice and microphone technique, performance and delivery, and interviews. The Artist Support Program gives up to eight artists/teams 20 hours of recording and production time with an engineer with an additional 10 – 12 artists receiving matching awards. The Jack Straw New Media Gallery is a place where artists from various disciplines can present works in which sound is an  integral or exclusive element. Deadline is Oct. 31, 2014. For applications, go to www.jackstraw.org/programs/asp/2015/2015_apps.shtml. For information, go to www.jackstraw.org/programs/asp/2015/2015_Programs_FAOs.shtml.

Seattle International Film Festival is seeking features, documentaries, short films, and animation for the 41st annual Festival. Earlybird Submission deadline is Oct. 6th, 2014. Regular Submission Deadline is Nov. 3rd, 2014. Final Submission Deadline is Jan. 5, 2015. FutureWave Shorts (youth ages 18 and under) Submission Deadline is March 2nd, 2015. For details go to http://www.siff.net/festival-2014/film-submission-2015.

Sound Off! Is the Northwest’s Premier 21 & Under Battle of the Bands. EMP is seeking musicians, bands and solo artists of all genres to apply. Win recording time, gear, radio airplay, festival  performances. Accepting applications until Nov. 3rd, 2014. Go to empmuseum.org/soundoff for details.

The city of Enumclaw is seeking artists to demonstrate and display their work in participating local businesses during the Enumclaw Chambers Downtown Wine Walk on Nov. 22, 2014. For an application, contact Gary LaTurner at [email protected] or call (360) 802-0239.

The September/October Issue 90 of Art AsiaPacific magazine looks at the practice of Delhi-based artist Akram Zaatari which encompasses filmmaking, research, photography and curating, the career of the late Rummana Hussain who trained as a painter but shifted to performance as a response  to the religious fundamentalism of the 1990’s, a profile of Seoul-based Minouk Lim who sought alternative forms of art-making, often participatory in nature, to engage with the historical and economic realities of South Korea and much much more. Besides being available on the newsstands, you can purchase a digital editon on iTunes, Zinio and Magzter.

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